Syphilis Is Up!

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) spread by direct contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex. If left untreated, it can cause brain, nerve and tissue damage, and death.

Anyone can get syphilis, but in Denver it most common among gay men and men who are having sex with men. Here are some quick facts about syphilis in Denver.

From January through June 2015, 126 cases of syphilis were reported in Denver County. This represents 47% more cases than were reported during same time period in 2014.

Most infections occurred in men who have sex with men, many of whom are also living with HIV.

Eight cases of ocular syphilis have been reported in the past three months throughout Colorado. At least three of these infections resulted in permanent visual damage.

It is very important to be screened for other STDs, including syphilis, every six months. Read our syphilis fact sheet(Spanish Version) for information about who gets syphilis, symptoms of syphilis, and what do do if you test positive.

Get Tested. If Necessary, Get Treated.

Syphilis is detected using a simple blood test and is easily curable. Convenient syphilis testing sites are located throughout the Denver metro area.